When a friend first inquired what my enneagram was, I had no idea what she was talking about. But then I listened to a podcast that highlighted The Road Back to You, by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile, and I was intrigued. “The purpose of the Enneagram is to develop self-knowledge and learn how to recognize and dis-identify with the parts of our personalities that limit us so we can be reunited with our truest and best selves” (24). There are nine personality types: Perfectionist, Helper, Performer, Romantic, Investigator, Loyalist, Enthusiast, Challenger, Peacemaker. Each chapter begins with simple questions that make you self-reflect, essentially revealing your tendencies and personality type. Just make sure you are completely honest! One of the best tips they gave was to narrow a few types down that you feel represent your personality and then ask your closest family or friends which one they think embodies you best. While I thought I was the Helper, it was unanimous that I was the Perfectionist by my children! While a tad unsure at first, I delved into the characteristics of Type 1 and sure enough, it is me. I soon discovered why I tend to make certain decisions, what stresses me out, what I need to thrive, and how I can be the very best version of me. I did learn type 1s tend to have rapid speech, which is definitely me, but this can lead from a teaching perspective to preaching. I never considered this aspect before yet quickly realized I need to be conscious of how I blog and share information, thoughts and inspiration. This layer of understanding has allowed me not to shy away from my tendencies, but embrace them and use them in a positive way.
Soon enough, my children discovered their enneagrams: a Peacemaker, a Helper, and a Performer. Together, we began to understand one another better. Developing compassion strengthens families and all relationships. Communication becomes more effective while respecting and honoring differences. Being a 1w2 makes me the unique person I am. I think my children see that more clearly now just as they recevied a glimpse into their own persnolities. What’s your enneagram?
the Essentialist Family 